PALMETTO, GA, June 17, 2024 – Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation (CFEMC) hosted two electric vehicle (EV) fire and safety training sessions for 40 local firefighters on June 3-4, 2024.
Held at CFEMC’s headquarters in Palmetto, the two training sessions offered a chance to learn about electric vehicles and corresponding emergency response procedures, including the key components of an EV and how they are constructed, as well as how to approach a variety of emergency situations involving these vehicles.
“With the increase of electric vehicles in our local area, we want our first responders to be equipped with the knowledge and training to handle emergency situations involving EVs,” said Greg Wright, Senior Director of Community and Economic Development with Coweta-Fayette EMC. “And with accidents and incidents involving these vehicles, there are special considerations to make that do not apply with internal combustion engine vehicles.”
Firefighters from the City of Fayetteville Fire Department, City of Newnan Fire Department, City of Peachtree City Fire and Rescue Department, Coweta County Fire Rescue, and Fayette County Fire Department attended the sessions, which offered classroom training and a live demonstration taught by instructors from Safety and Security Consultation Specialists LLC.
According to Coweta County Fire Rescue (CCFR), their department gained a deeper understanding of EVs and the techniques necessary to use in emergency situations.
“Coweta Fire Rescue members found the training refreshing to attend alongside our partners at Newnan Fire Department,” said CCFR Chief Robby Flanagan. “EVs and alternative fuel vehicles are evolving quickly, and we need to continuously update our techniques accordingly to provide the best and safest response model.”
As a cooperative business, Coweta-Fayette EMC adheres to seven guiding principles, including providing education, training and information to our members, employees, and community. “We hope these trainings, as well as those to come in the future, will help educate our community’s emergency responders, as well as encourage them to stay safe while on the job,” said Wright.
Coweta Fayette EMC is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to over 80,000 consumers in Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Fulton, Clayton, Meriwether, Spalding, and Troup counties.
